[a. Gr. ἐξήγησις, f. ἐξηγέεσθαι to interpret, f. ἐξ- (see EX- pref.2) + ἡγέεσθαι to guide, lead. Cf. F. exégèse.]
1. Explanation, exposition (of a sentence, word, etc.); esp. the interpretation of Scripture or a Scriptural passage.
1823. in Crabb, Technol. Dict., Exegesis, an explication of words or an elucidation of sentences.
a. 1848. R. W. Hamilton, Rew. & Punishm., Notes (1853), 423. The exegesis of Scripture is conducted by instituting inquiry into what certain parties understood.
1857. Gladstone, Glean., VI. xix. 59. That most wretched consummation, which reduces all exegesis to a profane and deluding art.
1876. M. Arnold, Lit. & Dogma, 161. A very small experience of Jewish exegesis will convince us.
b. An explanatory note, a gloss.
1619. Sir J. Sempill, Sacrilege Handled, App. 33. The Septuagint makes the 23. vers. but as an Exegesis of the former verse.
a. 1638. Mede, Chr. Sacrif., v. Wks. II. (1672), 364. Κλάσις τοῦ ἄρτου and προσευχαὶ, Breaking of Bread and Prayers, are to be referred to κοινωνιᾳ Communion, as the Exegesis thereof.
1653. W. Sclater (Jun.), Fun. Serm. (1654), 5. The exegesis and exposition of the former [expression].
1751. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., The second [word] is only an exegesis, or explanation of the first.
c. An expository discourse.
1727–51. in Chambers, Cycl. Hence 1832 in Webster; and in some mod. Dicts.
† 2. Algebra. (See quot.) Obs.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Exegesis Numerosa … the Numeral, or Lineal Solution, or Extraction of Roots, out of Adfected Equations.
1796. Hutton, Math. Dict., s.v.
